JP2008018545A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which can improve an efficiency of operation when a memory-full is generated, while suppressing costs. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 1 comprises an image data storage means 300 which stores input image data, a storage method changing means 430 which changes a storage method of the image data, an output means 500 which outputs the image data, a free capacity detecting means 410 which detects a free capacity of the image data storage means 300, a free capacity judging means 420 which judges that the free capacity is not larger than a predetermined value, and a storage method selecting means 440 which urges selection of the storage method stored by the image data storage means 300. When the free capacity is judged to be not larger than the predetermined value by the free capacity judging means 420, the storage method selecting means 440 urges selection of the storage method, the storage method changing means 430 changes the storage method of the image data on the basis of the storage method selected by the storage method selecting means 440, and the output means 500 outputs the image data stored by the changed storage method. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, all image data once image-formed is stored in a memory, and image formation is performed using the stored image data. At that time, in order to realize a function of processing data of a plurality of documents (for example, a sort function), a storage capacity for storing data for a plurality of sheets is required. However, in an image forming apparatus having a small storage capacity, the number of stored sheets is limited, and the capacity is exceeded during document reading, and image formation is interrupted. Therefore, a function such as a sort function cannot be effectively realized. In other words, there is a problem that a case where the user's request cannot be satisfied in the end while reading (all originals cannot be sorted, etc.) occurs.

  For this reason, various inventions have been made for the purpose of improving the use efficiency of storage capacity in image forming apparatuses having a small storage capacity.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to an image forming apparatus that uses a compression memory and a page memory to increase work efficiency. Here, when a document is read, data compressed at a predetermined compression rate is stored in the compression memory, and uncompressed data is stored in the page memory. When memory full occurs in the compression memory, a higher compression rate is used. By recompressing the data and storing it again in the compression memory, the work efficiency is improved without returning the already read original.
JP 2003-152955 A

  However, in the case of an inexpensive device, it is impossible to provide a plurality of memories as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-152955, and there is a problem in that the cost cannot be reduced and the reduction in the operation efficiency due to the memory full cannot be suppressed. .

  The present invention has been invented in order to solve this problem in view of the above points, and can reduce the cost and improve the operation efficiency when the memory is full without adding a memory. An object is to provide an image forming apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an input unit that inputs image data, an image data storage unit that stores image data input by the input unit, and an input unit that inputs the image data. A storage method changing means for changing the storage method of the image data, an output means for outputting the image data stored in the image data storage means, and an empty capacity detecting means for detecting an empty capacity of the image data storage means, An image forming apparatus comprising: an empty capacity determination unit that determines whether the free capacity is equal to or less than a predetermined value; and a storage method selection unit that prompts selection of a storage method stored by the image data storage unit. When the free capacity determination means determines that the free capacity is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the storage method selection means prompts the user to select a storage method and changes the storage method. The means changes the storage method of the image data based on the storage method selected by the storage method selection means, and the output means outputs the image data stored by the changed storage method. Can be configured.

  Accordingly, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reducing the cost and improving the operation efficiency when the memory is full without adding a memory.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a display unit, and the display unit prompts the user to select a storage method stored in the image data storage unit. Can do.

  Accordingly, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving the operation efficiency when the memory is full, in accordance with the convenience of the user.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a storage method storage unit that holds the storage method, and the storage method storage unit is a storage selected by the storage method selection unit. The method can be configured to hold even when the image forming apparatus is powered off.

  Accordingly, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving the operation efficiency when the memory is full when the power is turned on based on the setting already made by the user.

  In order to achieve the above object, the storage method urged by the storage method selection means of the present invention can be configured to be a predetermined storage method.

  In order to achieve the above object, the storage method of the present invention can be configured to be a storage method for reducing and storing the image data.

  Accordingly, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reducing the cost when outputting the image data.

  In order to achieve the above object, the storage method of the present invention can be configured to be a storage method for collecting and storing the image data.

  Accordingly, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reducing the cost when outputting the image data.

  In order to achieve the above object, the storage method of the present invention is configured to be a storage method for shortening the time for reading the image data into the storage means or the time for reading from the storage means. Can do.

  Thereby, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of shortening the finishing time when outputting the image data.

  In order to achieve the above object, the storage method of the present invention is configured to store the image data at a resolution lower than the resolution of the image data stored in the storage means before changing the storage method. can do.

  Thereby, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of shortening the finishing time when outputting the image data. Further, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of finishing so that an output image and an original image do not appear to be greatly different from each other.

  In order to achieve the above object, the storage method of the present invention stores the image data output by the output unit without storing all of the image data input by the input unit. It can be configured to be a storage method in which data is erased sequentially from the means and then stored.

  As a result, an image forming apparatus capable of efficiently using the memory can be provided.

  In order to achieve the above object, the storage method of the present invention is configured to store the color image data by changing the color image data into monochrome image data when the image data is a color image. Can do.

  As a result, an image forming apparatus capable of efficiently using the memory can be provided.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the cost and improve the operation efficiency when the memory is full without adding a memory.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a printer is described as an example of an image forming apparatus, but another image processing apparatus may be used.

(Device configuration)
First, a schematic example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic example of the configuration of a printer 1 which is an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, the printer 1 includes an input unit 10, an operation unit 20, a storage unit 30, a control unit 40, and an output unit 50.

  The input unit 10 is an apparatus that inputs an image related to image formation. A scanner engine 11, an image reading control unit 12, an NCU 13, a FAX control unit 14, a host I / F control unit 15 and the like, which will be described later, are configured.

  The scanner engine 11 is an apparatus for inputting a document having a copy function and a scanner function. The document is input by being controlled by an image reading control unit 12 which will be described later.

  The image reading control unit 12 controls the scanner engine 11.

  The NCU 13 is a device that connects the printer 1 to a general public line. For example, when the printer 1 has a FAX function, the printer 1 receives a document by FAX via the NCU 13. The received FAX data (usually encoded) is subjected to processing such as decoding by a FAX control unit 14 described later.

  The FAX control unit 14 decodes the print data received from the NCU 13.

  For example, the host I / F control unit 15 receives print data from the external host device 2. Examples of the I / F include local connections such as IEEE 1284 and USB, and network connections such as wired and wireless Ethernet (registered trademark).

  The operation unit 20 is a man-machine interface unit with a device operator such as a button for operating the printer 1 and an indicator (display such as LED and LCD, speaker, etc.) for displaying the status of the printer 1. Information input / output is performed via an operation unit I / F control unit 21 described later.

  The operation unit I / F control unit 21 controls information input / output in the operation unit 20.

  The storage unit 30 is a device that stores data such as image data. A RAM 31 and a RAM control unit 32 which will be described later are included.

  The RAM 31 is a storage device for temporarily storing data processed by the CPU 10 and each control unit. Examples of data include image data and various application programs. It is controlled by an image storage control unit 32 described later.

  The RAM control unit 32 controls the RAM 31.

  The control unit 40 is a device that controls the printer 1. The CPU 41, ROM 42, NVRAM 43, etc., which will be described later, are configured.

  The CPU 41 is a device that controls the entire printer 1 according to a control program stored in the RAM 31 and a ROM 42 described later.

  The ROM 42 is a device that stores a program for controlling the printer 1. The processing performance may be improved by mounting a plurality.

  The NVRAM 43 is a nonvolatile memory. It is used for the purpose of holding device-specific information such as a counter value for the number of copies.

  The output unit 50 is a device that outputs an image formed image. A printer engine 51 and a printer control unit 52 described later are included.

  The printer engine 51 is a device for printing out. There are image forming methods such as a laser method, an LED method, and an ink jet method. It is controlled by a printer control unit 52 described later.

  The printer control unit 52 controls the printer engine 51.

  With the configuration of the apparatus described above, in the printer 1, the image data input by the input unit 10 is stored in the storage unit 30. The stored image data is output by the output unit 50.

In the printer 1 of the present invention, when the empty capacity of the RAM 31 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value due to the input image data (hereinafter, this state is referred to as “memory full”), the control unit 40 displays the image in the RAM 31. Change the data storage method. Next, the functional configuration of the printer 1 for realizing this will be described.
(Function block diagram)
Next, a functional configuration example of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

  In FIG. 2, the printer 1 includes an input unit 100, a display unit 200, an image data storage unit 300, a control unit 400, and an output unit 500. The control unit 400 includes an empty capacity detection unit 410, an empty capacity determination unit 420, a storage method change unit 430, a storage method selection unit 440, and a storage method storage unit 450.

  The input unit 100 inputs image data. For example, the input unit 10.

  The display means 200 performs screen display. For example, the operation unit 20 is a display provided in the printer 1. It also has a function as a man-machine interface unit operated by the user.

  The image data storage unit 300 stores the image data input by the input unit 100. For example, the RAM 31 in the storage unit 30. Further, the image data is stored based on a storage method stored in a storage method storage unit 450 described later.

  The control unit 400 controls the entire system of the printer 1. For example, the control unit 40, the image reading control unit 12, the FAX control unit 14, the host I / F control unit 15, the operation unit I / F control unit 21, the RAM control unit 32, the printer control unit 52, and the like. It includes an after-mentioned free capacity detection means 410, free capacity determination means 420, storage method change means 430, storage method selection means 440, storage method storage means 450, and the like.

  The free capacity detection unit 410 detects the free capacity of the image data storage unit 300. For example, the process is performed by the RAM control unit 32, and the free capacity of the RAM 31 is detected.

  The free space determination unit 420 determines that the free space detected by the free space detection unit 410 is equal to or less than a predetermined value (memory full). For example, the process is performed by the RAM control unit 32.

  The storage method changing unit 430 changes the storage method of the image data storage unit 300. For example, the process is performed by the RAM control unit 32.

  The storage method selection unit 440 prompts selection of the storage method of the image data storage unit 300. For example, this is a process performed by the operation unit I / F control unit 21. The display unit 200 is used to prompt the user to select a storage method.

  The storage method storage unit 450 stores the storage method of the image data storage unit 300. For example, the NVRAM 43 in the control unit 40.

  The output unit 500 outputs the image data stored in the image data storage unit 300. For example, the output unit 50 or the like.

  With the above apparatus configuration, in the printer 1, the image data input by the input unit 100 is stored in the image data storage unit 300. The stored image data is output by the output means 500.

  Further, in the printer 1 of the present invention, when the control unit 400 detects that the image data storage unit 300 is full of memory based on the input image data, the control unit 400 is configured to improve the use efficiency of the image data storage unit 300. The image data storage method in the image data storage means 300 is changed.

Hereinafter, first, an example of an operation flow in which the control unit 400 detects that the image data storage unit 300 is full of memory will be described. Next, an example of an operation flow until the image data storage method in the image data storage unit 300 is changed will be described.
(Memory full detection operation example)
Here, an example of an operation flow until the image data storage unit 300 becomes full of memory will be described. In this embodiment, the RAM 31 is described as an example of the image data storage unit 300, but other image data storage unit may be used. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the RAM 31 of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

  In FIG. 3, the area of the RAM 31 includes an image storage area G, a program data area P, and a data area D.

  The image storage area G is a storage area for storing image data. For example, the image data input by the input unit 100 is stored. Further, as shown on the right side of FIG. 3, in the image storage area G, the maximum capacity that can be used for image storage, the maximum capacity that can be stored Sa, and the capacity that serves as a threshold for detecting memory full are set to memory full. The detected capacity Sf, and the total capacity of the image data that has already been stored, is defined as the stored image data capacity ΣS.

  The program data area P is a storage area for storing various application programs.

  The data area D stores various setting conditions in the image forming apparatus, calculated values when the program is executed, and the like.

  At this time, it is synonymous that the image data storage means 300 is full of memory and the sum of the accumulated image data capacities reaches the memory full detection capacity Sf in the image storage area G. The flow is shown as follows.

  First, the free capacity detecting means 410 detects the free capacity of the image storage area G based on the above-described maximum storable capacity Sa, the stored image data capacity ΣS, and the image data capacity S of the image data to be stored. Specifically, the value of Sa (maximum storable capacity) − (ΣS + S) (accumulated image data) is detected as an empty capacity.

  Next, the free space determination unit 420 detects the memory full state based on the above free space. Specifically, when the relationship between the memory full detection capacity Sf, the accumulated image data capacity ΣS, and the image data capacity S becomes Sf <ΣS + S, it is detected that the memory is full.

With the above configuration and operation, the memory full of the image data storage unit 300 is detected by the free capacity detection unit 410 and the free capacity determination unit 420 in the control unit 400.
(Example of display means 200)
Next, an example of an operation flow in which the control unit 400 changes the image data storage method in the image data storage unit 300 will be described. In the printer 1 of the present invention, first, a storage method for a plurality of candidate image data is preset via the display means 200. Next, the image data storage method in the image data storage means 300 is one extracted from a plurality of preset image data storage methods by prioritizing (explained in detail in an operation example to be described later). Changed to storage method. A description will be given in order.

  First, a flow in which a storage method for a plurality of candidate image data is set in advance via the display unit 200 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display unit 200 of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

  In FIG. 4, the display unit 200 includes a display unit 210 and an operation unit 220. Furthermore, the operation unit 220 includes a numeric key 221, a reset key 222, a start key 223, an application switching key 224, a clear stop key 225, an initial setting key 226, and a selection key 227.

  The display unit 210 displays a character string and a bitmap. For example, a display.

  The operation unit 220 is an operation member for the user to input operation information. It includes a numeric keypad 221, a reset key 222, a start key 223, an application switching key 224, a clear stop key 225, an initial setting key 226, and a selection key 227, which will be described later.

  The numeric keypad 221 is a button used for operations such as inputting the number of copies to be printed.

  The reset key 222 is a button used when the copy mode is reset.

  The start key 223 is a button used for an operation for instructing start of copying or document reading.

  The application switching key 224 is used for an operation of switching functions such as a copy function, a printer, or a scanner function.

  The clear stop key 225 is a button used when the copy operation is interrupted or the number of copies is reset.

  An initial setting key 226 is a button used when setting an initial value of a setting used in a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, or the like.

  The selection key 227 is used when selecting a function displayed on the display unit 210.

  In this configuration, the keyboard is configured with hard keys, but this can be replaced with a soft keyboard displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel.

  With the above configuration, the display unit 200 displays a screen on the display unit 210. Also, it has a function as a man-machine interface unit that is operated by the user through the operation unit 220.

  The printer 1 according to the present invention is characterized in that the display content of the display unit 200 is different in three modes: an administrator mode, an initial setting mode, and a normal operation mode. In the administrator mode, the screen is shifted by a combination of the numeric keypad 221, the reset key 222, the clear stop key 225, and the start key 223. The initial setting mode shifts to a screen when the initial setting key 226 is pressed. In the normal operation mode, the screen shifts when the application switching key 224 is pressed.

  In the administrator mode, the screen may be shifted using a personal identification code. Further, the normal operation mode may be shifted by providing a dedicated priority means selection setting key (not shown), or a mode that may cause insufficient memory is selected by the user's copy mode setting. You may make it transfer automatically in a case. Modes that may run out of memory include multiple-digit sort modes.

Next, a flow in which a storage method for a plurality of candidate image data is set in advance via the display unit 200 described above will be described. Specifically, it is set based on display contents in each mode of the administrator mode, the initial setting mode, and the normal operation mode. The display contents and setting method will be described with reference to FIGS.
(Display contents of display means 200 and setting method)
First, an example of display contents in the administrator mode will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of display contents in the administrator mode.

  In FIG. 5, six items of reduction, double-sided → single-sided, color mode change, resolution change, finish order change, and no automatic jam recovery are examples of image data storage methods for improving the usage efficiency of the RAM 31. Details of each item will be described in an operation example described later.

  As shown in Fig. 5, the display contents in the administrator mode can be selected from usable or unusable status of each item, and the administrator can use the status of the available method from among these. To do. In the example of FIG. 5, the administrator disables double-sided → single-sided. This indicates that the administrator authority restricts both sides to one side, which leads to an increase in cost.

  Next, an example of display contents in the initial setting mode will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of display contents in the initial setting mode.

  In FIG. 6, five items of reduction, color mode change, resolution change, finish order change, and no automatic jam recovery are displayed. Here, the displayed item is an item (see FIG. 5) set to be usable in the administrator mode. Here, as an initial setting, the item of reduction is disabled.

  Next, an example of display contents in the normal operation mode will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of display contents in the normal operation mode.

  In FIG. 7, four items of color mode change, resolution change, finishing order change, and no automatic jam recovery are displayed. The item displayed here is an item (see FIG. 6) set to be usable in the initial setting mode. In addition, here, an item that the memory efficiency at interruption can be selected can be selected.

  The items set as usable in all the above modes are preset as storage methods of a plurality of image data that are candidates for improving the use efficiency of the memory, and are stored in, for example, the storage method storage unit 450 of the control unit 400. Remembered. Whether or not this setting is valid is determined based on the flow described below.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for determining whether the setting for improving the memory use efficiency is valid. It is assumed that information indicating whether the setting in each mode is valid is stored in advance in the printer 1, for example, in the NVRAM 43.

  First, it is determined whether or not the setting in the administrator mode is valid (S101). If it is determined to be valid (S101, YES), the process proceeds to step S102. If it is determined that it is not valid (S101, NO), the process proceeds to step S105.

  Moving to step S102, it is determined whether or not the setting in the initial setting mode is valid (S102). If it is determined to be valid (S102, YES), the process proceeds to step S103. If it is determined that it is not valid (S102, NO), the process proceeds to step S105.

  Moving to step S103, it is determined whether or not the setting in the normal operation mode is valid (S103). If it is determined to be valid (S103, YES), the process proceeds to step S104. If it is determined that it is not valid (S103, NO), the process proceeds to step S105.

  When the process proceeds to step S104, it is determined that the setting for improving the memory use efficiency is effective (S104).

  When the process proceeds to step S105, it is determined that the setting for improving the memory use efficiency is not effective (S105).

  As shown in the above flow, it is determined whether or not the setting for improving the memory use efficiency is effective. When the setting in the administrator mode is valid, the selection in FIG. 5 is valid. When the setting in the administrator mode is valid and the setting in the initial setting mode is valid, a screen as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed.

  Based on the display contents and the setting method as described above, the setting for improving the memory use efficiency is divided according to authority. Specifically, the administrator, the initial setting, and the normal operation (user) are divided in descending order of authority, and the person with lower authority performs the setting based on the content set by the person with higher authority.

  Therefore, the following effects are exhibited. The effect is that the setting for improving the memory use efficiency can be restricted based on the authority.

Further, by holding these settings in the printer 1, for example, by the NVRAM 43, it is possible to keep the settings even when the power is turned off.
(Operation example)
Next, the image data storage method in the image data storage unit 300 is extracted from a plurality of preset image data storage methods (stored in the storage method storage unit 450) by prioritizing as described above. An example of an operation for changing to one storage method will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

  Here, the printer 1 is set to perform three copies in the color mode and the sort mode. An example of the operation of the printer 1 when the storage of the image data of the four A4 originals is completed, the memory full is detected during reading of the fifth sheet, and the input operation is interrupted (see FIG. 10) will be described.

  First, as a premise, when memory full is detected, the printer 1 stops operating (S200). Here, when the memory full of the image data storage means 300 is detected by the free capacity detection means 410 and the free capacity determination means 420, the control means 400 stops the operation of the printer 1.

  Next, in the printer 1, it is determined whether or not the setting for improving the memory use efficiency is valid (S201). If it is determined to be valid (S201, YES), the process proceeds to step S202. If it is determined that it is not valid (S201, NO), the process proceeds to step S208.

  Here, whether the setting is valid is determined by the operation flow shown in FIG. Therefore, description is omitted for details.

  If it is determined to be valid, the process proceeds to step S202, and a means for increasing the memory use efficiency is extracted (S202).

  Here, as a means for increasing the memory usage efficiency, the control means 400 changes the color mode, resolution change, finishing order change, jam automatic recovery set to be usable in the normal operation mode shown in FIGS. Four blank items are extracted from the storage method storage unit 450.

  Next, it moves to step S203 and prioritization is performed (S203).

  Here, priorities are assigned to the four items extracted in step S202. The priorities here are given in the order of high memory use efficiency. That is, the control unit 400 assigns priorities from the viewpoint of memory use efficiency as follows for the four items of color mode change, resolution change, finish order change, and no automatic jam recovery.

  First, the memory capacity necessary for storing image data will be described. Here, it is assumed that the memory capacity necessary to store image data for one A4 monochrome original is X. At this time, the memory capacity required to store image data for one A4 color original is 4X. This is because when the printer 1 of the present invention is set to the full color mode, printing is performed using the four color printing functions of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). In other words, since the colors Y, M, C, and K necessary for printing are stored as image data, the memory capacity is four times that of monochrome.

  In this operation example, the memory full detection capacity Sf = 19X. Since four originals are accumulated and memory full is detected on the fifth sheet, Sf (= 19X) <16X + 4X (= 20X). At this time, the capacity of the image data that can be stored so as not to exceed the memory full detection capacity Sf is 19X-16X = 3X.

  Next, details of the four items of color mode change, resolution change, finish order change, and no automatic jam recovery will be described in order focusing on the effect on the memory usage efficiency.

  The color mode change is to change the color mode from color to monochrome. The memory capacity required to store one original by changing to monochrome is X. For this reason, three originals can be stored until memory full is detected.

Changing the resolution means changing the resolution. In this operation example, it is assumed that image formation is performed at 600 dpi and is changed to 200 dpi by changing the resolution. At this time, the memory capacity required to store one original is 4X / 3. For this reason, two originals can be stored until memory full is detected. (Sf (= 19X)> 16X + 4X / 3 × 2)
The finishing order change is to change the finishing mode from the sort mode to the stack mode. Here, the sort mode will be briefly described with reference to FIG. In addition, the stack mode will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the sort mode, and FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the stack mode.

  Sort mode and stack mode are finishing modes. In the sort mode, when a plurality of pages of a document is printed, the sections are sorted and output so that each section is in page order. FIG. 10 shows how a four-page document is output in the sort mode. In the stack mode, several copies to be printed for each page are output to the original. FIG. 11 shows how a four-page document is output in the stack mode.

  As can be seen from FIGS. 10 and 11, in the sort mode, since it is necessary to hold the image data of the original document until the final copy output, there is a higher possibility of a memory shortage than in the stack mode. That is, the occurrence of memory shortage can be suppressed by changing from the sort mode to the stack mode.

  When the finishing order is changed from the sort mode to the stack mode, as shown in FIG. 12, since the output of several copies starts from the first page of the document, the memory capacity 4X becomes larger when the third page of the first document is output. It becomes possible to store the next empty original. In the stack mode, the image storage area G stores and holds only the image data for one page to be output or the image data for the next document of the document to be output in order to increase productivity. The image data of all pages of the document need not be held in the image storage area G. That is, since only 4X (or 8X) memory capacity is required, Sf (= 19X)> ΣS (= 4X), and there is no possibility of memory full, and the memory usage efficiency is the highest.

  “No automatic jam recovery” means to cancel the automatic jam recovery function. Automatic jam recovery is when the recording medium stays in the machine and cannot be ejected normally before printing is completed during printing, or when the user removes the staying recording medium and image formation can be resumed. This is a function for performing again from printing of image data that could not be normally discharged. In order to make this function effective, it is necessary to accumulate image data until the final portion of the printed matter of the corresponding image is completely discharged out of the image forming layer. By canceling the automatic recovery function, it is possible to delete the image data necessary for the final page of the printed matter of the corresponding image when the image data is transferred to the output unit 500. However, the efficiency of memory specification does not increase when memory full occurs during the accumulation of document image data in a mode in which each part is sorted and output in page order as in the sort mode.

  As described above, in step S203, the control unit 400 sets priorities in the order of finishing order change, color mode change, resolution change, and no automatic jam recovery.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S104, and the priority order result is presented to the user (S204).

  Here, the storage method selection means 440 prompts the display means 200 to select a storage method. This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the display unit in step S104 in the operation example of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 13, it can be seen that the display means 200 displays the screen based on the priority order assigned in step S203.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S205 to wait for input from the user (S205). Here, the display means 200 that also has a user interface function waits for an input of resumption or interruption.

  Next, it moves to step S206 and it is determined whether there exists a restart instruction | indication (S206). When there is a restart instruction (S206, YES), the process proceeds to step S207. When there is no resumption instruction (S206, NO), the process proceeds to step S208.

  Here, in the display unit 200, when finishing order change is selected and restart is input, the input restart signal is transmitted to the control unit 400.

  Moving to step S207, the storage method changing unit 430 changes the storage method of the image data storage unit 300 from the sort mode to the stack mode based on the storage method selected in step S205, here, the finishing order change. In addition, the control unit 400 resumes the operation of the printer 1.

  When there is no restart instruction, the process proceeds to step S208, and it is determined whether there is an interruption instruction (S208). When there is an interruption instruction (S208, YES), the process proceeds to step S209. When there is no interruption instruction (S208, NO), the process proceeds to step S205 and the process of step S205 is repeated again.

  Here, when an interruption is input in the display unit 200, the input interruption signal is transmitted to the control unit 400.

  In step S209, the control unit 400 ends the operation of the printer 1. (S209).

  With the above operation, in the printer 1 of the present invention, the image data storage method in the image data storage means 300 is extracted by prioritizing among the plurality of image data storage methods set as described above. Change the finishing order, which is one storage method.

  Therefore, the following effects are exhibited. The effect is that by changing the finishing mode from the sort mode to the stack mode without adding a memory, it is possible to reduce the cost and improve the operation efficiency when the memory is full.

  In step S203 of this operation example, the priorities are given in the order from the highest memory usage efficiency, but may be given in the order from the lowest image forming cost. Moreover, you may attach in order with a short finishing time.

  Further, in this operation example, the storage method in the image data storage means 300 of the printer 1 of the present invention is prioritized among color mode change, resolution change, finish order change, and no automatic jam recovery. And double-sided → single-sided may be selected. These two items will also be described.

  Reduction means that image data is reduced and stored. For example, by reducing the image data to ½, ½ memory can be effectively used.

  “Double-sided → single-sided” means, for example, that the reduced image data of two monochrome originals are collected and stored in one original. This halves the number of sheets used when outputting image data. Further, the amount of toner used is reduced accordingly, so that image data can be output at a low cost.

  In addition, although the memory capacity required to store image data for one A4 color original is 4X, this may be 3X using three colors of R, G, and B.

In step S208, when there is an interruption instruction, in this operation example, the process proceeds to step S209 and the operation of the printer 1 is terminated. However, whether or not to output image data already stored in the image data storage unit 300 is determined. A screen for selection may be displayed. At this time, the control means 400 causes the display means 200 to display the screen shown in FIG. In FIG. 14, when “Yes” is selected, the output unit 500 performs output based on the image data already stored in the image data storage unit 300. If No is selected, the output unit 500 ends without performing output.
(Modification of operation example)
Next, a modified example of the operation example of the printer 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the display contents and setting method in the above-described embodiment, in the normal operation mode, four items of color mode change, resolution change, finishing order change, and no automatic jam recovery are set to be usable (see FIG. 7). Here, description will be made on the operation when the finishing order change is unusable, the color mode change, the resolution change, and the automatic jam recovery no item are set to be usable (see FIG. 15). The flow of the operation is the same as that of the operation example, and therefore description will be made with reference to FIG.

  Since the process from step S200 to step 201 is the same as that of the above-mentioned operation example, description is abbreviate | omitted here.

  Moving to step S202, a means for increasing the memory use efficiency is extracted (S202).

  Here, the control unit 400 extracts three items, which are set to be usable in the normal operation mode shown in FIG. 15 described above, that is, color mode change, resolution change, and no automatic jam recovery as means for increasing the memory usage efficiency. To do.

  Next, it moves to step S203 and prioritization is performed (S203).

  Here, priorities are assigned to the three items extracted in step S202. The priorities here are given in the order of high memory use efficiency. That is, priority can be given to the three items of color mode change, resolution change, and no automatic jam recovery from the viewpoint of memory use efficiency. As a result, priorities are assigned in the order of color mode change, resolution change, and no automatic jam recovery.

  Next, it moves to step S204 and presents the result of the priority order to the user (S204).

  Here, the storage method selection means 440 prompts the display means 200 to select a storage method. This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the display unit in step S204 of a modification of the operation example of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. Based on the priority order assigned in step S203, it can be seen that the display means 200 is displaying the screen as shown in FIG.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S205 to wait for input from the user (S205). Here, the display means 200 that also has a user interface function waits for an input of resumption or interruption.

  Next, it moves to step S206 and it is determined whether there exists a restart instruction | indication (S206). When there is a restart instruction (S206, YES), the process proceeds to step S207. When there is no resumption instruction (S206, NO), the process proceeds to step S208.

  Here, when the color mode change is selected on the display unit 200 and a restart is input, the input restart signal is transmitted to the control unit 400.

  Moving to step S207, the storage method changing unit 430 changes the storage method selected in step S205, here, the storage method of the image data storage unit 300 based on the color mode change. That is, the color is changed to monochrome. In addition, the control unit 400 resumes the operation of the printer 1.

  When there is no restart instruction, the process proceeds to step S208, and it is determined whether there is an interruption instruction (S208). When there is an interruption instruction (S208, YES), the process proceeds to step S208. When there is no interruption instruction (S208, NO), the process proceeds to step S205 and the process of step S205 is repeated again.

  Here, when an interruption is input in the display unit 200, the input interruption signal is transmitted to the control unit 400.

  In step S209, the control unit 400 ends the operation of the printer 1. (S209).

  With the above operation, in the printer 1 of the present invention, the image data storage method in the image data storage unit 300 is extracted by prioritizing among the plurality of image data storage methods set as described above. Change to color mode change which is one of the storage methods.

  Although the present invention has been described based on each embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown here, such as combinations with other elements listed in the above embodiments. With respect to these points, the present invention can be changed within a range that does not detract from the gist of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

Summary example of configuration of printer 1 as an example of an image forming apparatus of the present invention Examples of functional blocks of the image forming apparatus of the present invention Example of image data storage means 300 of the image forming apparatus of the present invention Example of display unit 200 of image forming apparatus of the present invention Example of display contents in administrator mode according to the embodiment Example of display contents in the initial setting mode according to the embodiment Example of display contents in normal operation mode according to the embodiment Flow chart for determining whether or not the setting for improving the memory usage efficiency is valid 7 is a flowchart according to an operation example of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. The figure which shows the example of the sort mode which concerns on an Example The figure which shows the example of the stack mode which concerns on an Example The figure which shows finishing order change in the operation example of the image forming apparatus of this invention The figure which shows the display part in step S204 of the operation example of the image forming apparatus of this invention. The figure which shows the display part in step S209 of the operation example of the image forming apparatus of this invention. Example of display contents in normal operation mode according to a modification of the embodiment The figure which shows the display part in step S204 of the modification of the operation example of the image forming apparatus of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 Input unit 20 Operation unit 30 Storage unit 31 RAM
40 Control unit 43 NVRAM
50 output unit 100 input means 200 display means 300 image data storage means 400 control means 410 free capacity detection means 420 free capacity determination means 430 storage method change means 440 storage method selection means 450 storage method storage means

Claims (10)

Input means for inputting image data;
Image data storage means for storing image data input by the input means;
Storage method changing means for changing the storage method of the image data input by the input means;
Output means for outputting the image data stored in the image data storage means;
An empty capacity detecting means for detecting an empty capacity of the image data storage means;
Empty capacity determining means for determining whether the empty capacity is equal to or less than a predetermined value;
A storage method selection means for prompting selection of a storage method stored by the image data storage means;
When the free space determination means determines that the free space is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the storage method selection means prompts the user to select a storage method, and the storage method change means selects the storage method selection means. An image forming apparatus, wherein the image data storage method is changed based on the stored storage method, and the output means outputs the image data stored by the changed storage method. Having a display means;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit prompts selection of a storage method stored by the image data storage unit. Storage means storage means for holding the storage method;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage method storage unit holds the storage method selected by the storage method selection unit even when the image forming apparatus is powered off.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage method prompted by the storage method selection unit is a predetermined storage method.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage method is a storage method in which the image data is reduced and stored.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage method is a storage method in which the image data is collected and stored.   7. The image according to claim 1, wherein the storage method is a storage method for shortening a reading time of the image data into the storage unit or a reading time from the storage unit. 8. Forming equipment.   8. The storage method according to claim 1, wherein the storage method stores the image data at a resolution lower than the resolution of the image data stored in the storage unit before the storage method is changed. The image forming apparatus according to one item.   The storage method is a storage method in which the image data output by the output unit is sequentially deleted from the storage unit and stored without storing all of the image data input by the input unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.   10. The storage method according to claim 1, wherein when the image data is a color image, the color image data is changed to monochrome image data and stored. The image forming apparatus described in 1.

Images